New coach, new system, new quarterback, even new yellow pants. Didn’t matter, it was the same old Redskins in 2010. The new quarterback never mastered the new coach’s new system, which is why there actually wound up being another new quarterback at the end of the season. Rex Grossman wasn’t much better than Donovan McNabb, but then again, Grossman had to work with the same ho-hum supporting cast as McNabb.

But enough about the offense. How about Washington’s disappointing defense? Albert Haynesworth was a cross between the Cowardly Lion and Tin Man. Instead of finding a phony wizard to help spark some soul-saving confidence within him at the end, the most expensive defensive tackle in history found himself suspended.

The team unofficially charged Haynesworth with Owensism (i.e. being a jerk). Haynesworth wasn’t the lone disappointment on D. The secondary let more big plays pass through than Broadway.

Mike Shanahan’s famous zone blocking scheme works just about anywhere. There’s no reason to think powerful but spry running back Ryan Torain can’t be a 1,200-yard back behind such a scheme. However, Shanahan needs better athletes at center, right guard and right tackle. C Casey Rabach does not elevate the game of those around him. RG Artis Hicks is valuable only as a utility backup. And RT Heyer is too upright and stiff in the knees.

Finding more fluid linemen, even if it means settling for other teams’ undersized dregs, would be a worthwhile endeavor for the Skins.

3. Defensive End There was talk that Adam Carriker had a strong season in 2010. Where’s the evidence? Carriker blended in like camouflage. Vonnie Holiday can still contribute in a limited backup role, but like with fellow end Phillip Daniels, age is a major issue.

It’s the NFL, where instant improvements are not only possible, but common. It helps having an adept coaching staff. Shanahan will be prepared for the D.C. scene in 2011 after being caught off-guard by the intense media in his debut season.

Still, a great coach can only go so far. The Redskins desperately need more talent at the skill positions if they want to give .500 a run.

The Donovan McNabb benching remains, by far, the biggest and most bizarre story from Sunday. Expect it to gain some serious legs over the next few days. Some of the Redskins’ most prominent veterans are saying they were as surprised by the move as the rest of America.

Highly respected leader Phil Daniels said, according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan, ''It surprises me with all the comebacks (McNabb’s) had in his career ... but as players we don’t make decisions.''

This is the type of situation that could cost Mike Shanahan the locker room. Shanahan has now very publicly benched his best defensive and offensive players for not being erudite in the Redskins’ system. Obviously, sitting a malcontent like Albert Haynesworth does not compare with sitting your star quarterback. But at the end of the day, players could look at both situations and decide that they’re playing for an arrogant head coach.

Titans players seem to have a knack for getting in serious bar fights but not charged with a crime. First Vince Young, and now Kenny Britt. The difference, of course, is Britt’s incident did not happen in May – it happened at 1:45 am Friday morning on the week of a game.

Speaking of the Titans…it’s now been one year since they started 0-6. Since then, they’ve gone 12-4 and, statistically speaking, been one of the most solid teams in all of football.

The Panthers have benched right guard Mackenzy Bernadeau. Geoff Schwartz will move from right tackle to Bernadeau’s spot. Stepping in at right tackle will be second-year player Gary Williams, making his first NFL start. Bernadeau understood: “They said I’ve been playing pretty well, but not to the best of my ability. And I know I wasn’t. Little things were holding me back, nothing too crazy,” he said. “Right now we just need a win and we’ve got to make some changes, and that’s one of them.”

Redskins veteran leader Phillip Daniels is traveling to Chicago earlier than the rest of the team so that he can attend his son’s high school football senior night. Daniels left the Bears in 2003 but his family stayed in town. Daniels’ son, DeVaris Daniels, is a defensive back/wide receiver and has committed to Notre Dame.

The Dolphins are making a push for stadium improvements. For the second time in seven months, they’re trying to drum up support for some public funding.

The Bucs are practicing at Raymond James Stadium on Friday because Raheem Morris wants his players to get more familiar with being in their end zone. It’s not a pure metaphor – they’re literally spending more time on that part of the field.